So you’re handy with a wrench, know the difference between a Phillips and a flathead, and you're tired of making other people rich while your skills go underappreciated.
Good.
That’s the exact kind of pissed-off energy it takes to start freelance handyman work. I’m not here to sell you a dream. I’m here to show you how to build a real business from scratch, with your hands, your hustle, and a toolbelt that means business. Let’s get to it.
1. Understand What a Freelance Handyman Really Is
This ain’t just about tightening screws and unclogging toilets. A freelance handyman is a self-employed fix-it pro who gets paid to do small to medium repair, maintenance, and installation tasks. No boss. No timeclock. Just you, your tools, and the grind.
You’re not building skyscrapers or rewiring NASA(hopefully). You're:
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Mounting TVs
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Patching drywall
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Assembling furniture
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Replacing faucets
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Fixing broken doors
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Pressure washing driveways
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Swapping out light fixtures
And guess what? That pays.
2. Nail Down Your Legal Shit (Seriously)
Before you start charging folks:
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Register your business. Call it something clean. “John Fixes Stuff” isn’t bad. “Handy God” if you’re bold. File an LLC in your state or operate as a sole proprietor—check your local laws.
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Get insured. A general liability policy can be dirt cheap but saves your ass if a ladder falls through a window or someone trips over your tools.
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Check local licensing. Some states require a license even for basic handyman work. Some don’t. Some split it by job type or dollar amount. Google “[your state] handyman license requirements” and don’t skip it.
No paperwork = no trust = no real clients. *legally*
3. Tools: Get the Right Ones (Not the Whole Damn Store)
Don’t spend $10k at Home Depot trying to flex.
Start with:
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Drill + bit set
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Screwdriver set (manual and power)
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Wrenches (adjustable + socket set)
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Hammer
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Level
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Stud finder
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Utility knife
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Cordless circular saw
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Multi-tool (oscillating saw)
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Ladder
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Safety gear (gloves, goggles, mask)
Pro tip: Add tools as jobs demand. Get paid first, then reinvest.
4. Decide Your Services (Then Market the Hell Out of Them)
You don’t need to do everything. Choose 5–10 things you’re confident in and own them.
Here’s a starter menu:
| Task | Avg Pay |
|---|---|
| TV Mounting | $75–150 |
| Faucet/Toilet Replacement | $100–200 |
| Furniture Assembly | $50–150 |
| Light Fixture Replacement | $75–120 |
| Drywall Patch & Paint | $100–300 |
| Pressure Washing | $100–500 |
Build your pitch around what YOU like doing and can do fast. People pay for skill + speed, not just effort.
5. Pricing: How to Set Your Rate Without Looking Like a Rookie
Don’t undercharge. That’s rookie mistake #1. You’ll get cheap clients, no respect, and burn out.
Here’s the deal:
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Flat rate: Easy for simple jobs like assembly, mounting, or swaps.
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Hourly: $50–$100/hr depending on your area and experience. (Yes, really.)
NEVER say “whatever you want to pay.” Say:
“I charge $75 for TV mounting. That includes wall anchors, cleanup, and safety check.”
Be specific. Be confident. You’re a professional, not a desperate ex-husband with a screwdriver.
6. Find Your First Clients (For Real)
Start dirty. Start local. Start loud.
Here’s where to find them:
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Facebook Marketplace & Groups – Post your services weekly. Show pics.
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Nextdoor – Old people love it. They tip well too.
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Thumbtack / TaskRabbit / Angi – Apps take a cut, but they feed you leads.
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Craigslist – Still works. Include your city and key tasks.
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Business Cards + Flyers – Leave them at barbershops, laundromats, gas stations.
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Friends & Family – Offer a freebie to 3 people. Ask for a written review + referral.
Document EVERY job. Before/after photos = visual proof = trust builder.
7. Use These Free or Cheap Tools to Look Legit
You don’t need a massive tech stack, but a few things help you look professional:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | Separate business line (free) |
| Canva | Make quick flyers or logos |
| Google Calendar | Schedule jobs and track your time |
| PayPal/Venmo/Cash App | Fast payment options |
| Invoice Generator (e.g., Wave) | Send real invoices |
| Google My Business | Get found on Maps and search |
8. Don’t Screw Up These Rookie Mistakes
Seriously. Avoid these like a crackhead with a chainsaw:
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Overbooking. You’re not a superhero. Late = unprofessional.
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Not communicating. Always confirm time, address, job details before you leave.
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No contract or terms. Even for $50 gigs, have something in writing. Use a simple work order form.
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Buying tools before booking jobs. Waste of cash.
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Getting underpaid. Ask for deposits on jobs over $200. Always know your worth.
9. Grow Like a Boss (If You’re Serious About This)
You got 5–10 gigs under your belt? Good. Time to scale:
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Build a simple website. Just a one-pager with your name, services, pics, and contact form.
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Get reviews. Ask every client. Post screenshots on social media.
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Add upsells. Fixing a fence? Offer to stain it too. Mounting a TV? Offer to run hidden wires.
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Bundle services. “Spring Prep Package” with pressure washing + gutter clean + paint touchups.
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Raise your rates. If you’re booked out for 2+ weeks, your prices are too low.
10. Bonus: If You’re a Veteran, Hustle That Angle
You got military discipline, logistics training, and respect out the gate. USE THAT.
Say:
“Veteran-owned. Reliable, disciplined, honest work—on time and done right.”
Older folks, especially, eat that up. You will get hired over others just because they trust vets.
Look—if you just want to fix shit on the weekends for beer money, that’s fine. But if you want out of the rat race, this can be your escape.
It starts with your tools. Then your time. Then your rep. Then your money.
You’re trading muscle for margin. Sweat for freedom.
Just don’t play handyman.
Be a handyman.
https://deebeefreelancing.com/products/dee-bees-handyman-guide
Good Luck. Stay Blessed
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